The Trigger: A Bold “Fugitive” Celebration
The latest firestorm began when Lalit Modi, the former IPL chairman, shared a video from Vijay Mallya’s 70th birthday party (celebrated on December 18) at his residence in London. In the clip, the duo—wanted for billions in alleged financial fraud and money laundering—appeared to take a swipe at Indian authorities.
- The Quote: Modi is heard saying, “We are the two fugitives, the biggest fugitives of India.”
- The Caption: The Instagram post was captioned, “Let’s break the internet down in India again. Happy birthday my friend #VijayMallya.”
The MEA’s Firm Response
During a press briefing in New Delhi on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the video directly, emphasizing that the government’s resolve has not wavered despite the public mockery.
“We remain fully committed that people who are fugitive and wanted by law in India return to the country. For this, we are in talks with several governments and processes are on.” — Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson
Jaiswal acknowledged the complexity of the task, noting that “several layers of legalities” across different jurisdictions often cause delays, but he assured that diplomatic pressure remains constant.
Legal & Political Pressure Mounts
The MEA’s statement comes on the heels of several major developments this week:
- Bombay High Court Ultimatum: On Tuesday, the court warned Mallya that if he does not return to India, it will refuse to hear his plea challenging the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.
- Ministerial Warning: Union MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh noted on Thursday that even high-profile terrorists like Tahawwur Rana (recently extradited from the US in April 2025) are being brought back, suggesting that financial fugitives will not escape indefinitely.
- The Scale of the Fraud: Mallya is accused of defaulting on loans worth over ₹9,000 crore related to Kingfisher Airlines, while Lalit Modi faces separate money laundering and tax evasion allegations from 2010.
| Fugitive | Status | Primary Charges |
| Vijay Mallya | Based in UK (since 2016) | Loan default (₹9,000Cr+), Fraud, Money Laundering |
| Lalit Modi | Based in UK (since 2010) | Financial misconduct in IPL, Tax evasion |
The Road Ahead
While India has extradition treaties with the UK, the legal systems in London allow for extensive appeals, often based on human rights or jail conditions, which both Mallya and Modi have utilized for years. However, with the successful 2025 extradition of Tahawwur Rana setting a precedent, Indian agencies are optimistic about a breakthrough in 2026.